Do you want to beat your personal best in the marathon? Break the 3h30, 3h15, 3h00, 2h45, or 2h30 barrier? The Valencia Marathon is the ideal race to set your marathon PB! Running in Valencia in December means treating yourself to a unique experience that blends Spanish passion with a super-fast course. Personally, I set my PB in Valencia in 2024 with a time of 2h32’19, finishing 612th… What a deep field!
Here’s a look back at this now unmissable event for marathon runners from around the world.
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The Meteoric Rise of the Valencia Marathon
A few years ago, the Valencia Marathon was still a little-known regional race. Today, it ranks among the world’s fastest marathons. Thanks to flawless organization, a lightning-fast course, and near-perfect weather in early December (between 10 and 17 °C), the Valencia Marathon has earned a place in the hearts of both amateur and elite runners.
The city of Valencia has capitalized on this popularity by proclaiming itself the “Ciudad del Running.” From late November, the streets are decked out in marathon colors. Hotels, restaurants, and shops buzz with the footsteps of runners from all over the world. Everything is designed to welcome them in the best possible conditions.
A City, a Course, a Promise of Performance
The Valencia Marathon starts in a futuristic setting: the City of Arts and Sciences, Calatrava’s architectural masterpiece, offers a modern backdrop for this international event. The route flows impressively well, with long straights, bridges over the Turia, and a mix of modern and historic neighborhoods—with very few sharp turns.
Even the last 2–3 kilometers are slightly downhill, allowing you to accelerate if you still have energy and haven’t hit the infamous wall.
Throughout the course, the atmosphere is festive and warm. Cheers erupt in all languages, and live bands line the kilometers. This constant support lifts your spirits, even during the toughest moments.
And then there’s the legendary Valencia Marathon finish, often described as the most beautiful finish in the world. The famous blue bridge, suspended above water, leads directly to the finish arch in the heart of the City of Arts.
The Personal Best Marathon
The Valencia Marathon is more than just a pleasant race: it’s the marathon of performance. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2023, over 5,000 runners finished in under 3 hours—a European record. For comparison, the Berlin Marathon—renowned for its speed—usually has between 2,500 and 3,000 sub-3h finishers.
As for the French, participation is massive. In the latest edition, 126 French runners finished under 2h30—an impressive number for a race outside France. Among French women, more than 50 finished in under 3 hours, confirming the appeal of the course for ambitious runners of all kinds.
Even beyond elite times, over 10,000 runners broke the 4-hour mark, proving that Valencia gives everyone a real chance to push their limits in a setting that encourages success.
To prove how deep the field is at the Valencia Marathon: I was on pace for a 2h28 marathon, and even at the 5 km mark, there was still a dense crowd of runners (see photo below)!
How to Prepare Properly for the Valencia Marathon
Racing in Valencia is great. Arriving well-prepared is even better. The fast course and motivating atmosphere won’t be enough if your training isn’t on point. Here are some key elements to help you approach this race in the best possible way.
Build Your Marathon Training Plan
A Valencia-specific marathon training plan should focus on speed and endurance. The goal isn’t to handle elevation, but to learn to run fast and long on flat terrain. Long runs with marathon-pace segments, threshold and VO2 max sessions, and strength training are all recommended to reduce fatigue in the latter stages of the race.
One of the challenges is that your muscles are stressed in the same way throughout the race (unlike courses with varying elevation, which shift the workload).
It’s also helpful to do a few tune-up races in the fall, like a half marathon or a 10K, to fine-tune your pacing and strategy.
We recommend downloading the RunMotion Coach app for a personalized marathon training plan and to add intermediate prep races.
Work on Your Race Strategy
The fast start of the Valencia Marathon can fool even experienced runners. The early kilometers are so smooth that many go out too fast… and hit the wall before the 30 km mark. Discipline is key: stick to your planned pace from the start and only pick it up if you’re still feeling strong later in the race.
Fortunately, there are pacer groups for several target times (2h30, 2h45, 3h, 3h30, etc.). They can be invaluable guides for staying on track.
Hydration and Nutrition Management
Even if the weather is mild, proper hydration is crucial. Drink from the first aid stations, alternating between water and energy drinks. Valencia provides well-stocked refreshment stations, but it’s still recommended to test your nutrition strategy during training—don’t improvise on race day.
Extend the Experience Beyond the Finish Line
Valencia isn’t just 42.195 km. It’s also a vibrant city that blends modernity and tradition. After the race, it’s highly recommended to stay an extra day or two to explore the city’s charms: stroll through the historic center, savor a paella (a Valencian specialty), or visit the city’s many parks and museums.
It’s also a great time to unwind, recover gently, and share a drink (or two) with other finishers in one of the city’s many bars.
In Summary: Why Run the Valencia Marathon?
The Valencia Marathon is more than just a race. It’s a popular celebration, a beam of light in the heart of winter, and a unique opportunity to push your limits. Whether you’re running your first marathon, chasing speed, or discovering new places, Valencia has everything to win you over.
So, are you ready to line up at the start of one of the world’s fastest and most inspiring marathons? Train seriously, live every moment of the race… and let the magic happen on the iconic blue bridge.
